The foundation is all that remains of the lightkeeper's house. The lightkeeper had to live on site to maintain the gas-powered lights which were once located on the bluff. Lights were constructed after the first Dutch Gap channel was completed in 1872 because of the narrow, winding river channel which was treacherous for navigation especially at night and in foul weather.

Today ocean-going ships serving the Port of Richmond carry over 500,000 tons of cargo yearly to northern Europe, the Caribbean and Canada. In addition, ships and barges transport oil, sand, gravel and construction materials from private wharves on the James.

This high level of commerce on the James and the fact that large vessels can completely fill the channel necessitates recreational vessels to be conscious of safety and take precautions to stay safe distances from large ships.

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